Sharing Israel? Divide between religious and secular Jews heats up under Netanyahu’s rule

Tensions have been rising between Israel’s religious and secular Jews since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government took office last December. With ultra-Orthodox parties now wielding unprecedented power — and playing a key role in a contentious plan to overhaul the legal system — they are aggravating concerns among secular Israelis that the character and future of their country is under threat. The ultra-Orthodox managed to win generous subsidies for their communities in the government’s latest budget. Secular Jews say the system is unfair, while the ultra-Orthodox say they are victims of incitement.